Rugby World Cup semi-final venue waterlogged just 24 hours before first match

Large sections of the pitch at Yokohama International Stadium are underwater, less than 48 hours before Wales face South Africa at the stadium on Sunday.

When Warren Gatland’s side arrived for their pre-game run out at the venue on Friday, players had to jump through rather large puddles to reach the sodden surface.

A giant puddle, stretched through the 22 metre area to the 10-metre line, was the worst of the problem.

There was plenty of splashing as players ran through the standing water on the surface.

It had been raining heavily in Yokohama for around 20 hours before Wales made their way to have a look at the ground.

The Wales players make their way onto the rather sodden pitch in Yokohama (Getty Images)

Warren Gatland makes his way onto the pitch (Getty Images)

They are checking out the venue a day early because of this weekend’s schedule.

The stadium is due to host two semi-finals this weekend, with England taking on the All Blacks there on Saturday, before Wales and the Springboks do battle on Sunday.

Wales players war up during a training session (AP)

At first look, it appears alarming, however World Rugby are confident in the stadium’s drainage system.

The weather is forecast to be clear on Saturday before more rain hits the area on Sunday.